Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s approach to securing a mineral deal with Ukraine, describing it as having “validity.” His remarks came just ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, where the agreement is set to be finalized.
During an interview following a press conference with Mr. Trump, Starmer acknowledged the significance of the deal, emphasizing its role in strengthening Ukraine’s security framework against Russian aggression.
“I can see the value in the approach in relation to minerals. That is a matter between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. But I can see very clearly the argument that President Trump makes in relation to minerals, and I can also see the validity of his points when he says that if there’s a deal on minerals, then the US has economic interests in Ukraine, which, if you like, form at least one element of any security guarantee.”
Keir Starmer
The proposed agreement would allow the US to tap into Ukraine’s untapped reserves of highly valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for investment. Kyiv, in return, expects that the economic partnership will serve as a stepping stone toward solidifying security assurances from the US
Mr. Trump revealed on Wednesday, February 26, that an agreement had been reached, expressing satisfaction over the outcome, while Mr. Zelenskyy maintained a more reserved stance, calling the deal a “big success” but underscoring that its ultimate impact would depend on Mr. Trump’s commitment.
Ukraine is home to vast natural resources, with estimates suggesting it holds around five percent of the world’s critical raw materials. However, accessing these resources remains a challenge, as a portion of the reserves is currently under Russian control. According to Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, territories occupied by Russia contain untapped mineral wealth valued at $350 billion (£277 billion).
Starmer emphasized that while economic deals are important, ensuring long-term stability in Ukraine remains a priority. He reiterated that the UK is actively engaging in discussions regarding security guarantees for Kyiv. “The first thing is to get the European element in place,” he stated, referring to efforts to solidify a European-led security strategy before expanding international partnerships.
A Deal That Must Last
The British Prime Minister also raised concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-term ambitions regarding Ukraine. While he acknowledged that diplomatic discussions must continue, he stressed that any agreement must be sustainable.
“My concern is that we know, historically, that Putin might go again. He has ambitions in relation to Ukraine. And, therefore, if there is to be a deal, it has got to be a deal that lasts.”
Keir Starmer
However, during his meeting with Starmer, Mr. Trump expressed confidence in Mr. Putin’s willingness to adhere to a potential peace deal. “I think he will keep his word,” the US leader stated, citing his past interactions with the Russian president.
“I’ve spoken to him, I’ve known him for a long time now. We had to go through the Russian hoax together.”
President Donald Trump
Keir Starmer affirmed Britain’s commitment to playing an active role in securing a lasting peace in Ukraine. Standing alongside Mr. Trump, he declared that the UK was prepared to take decisive action if Russia agreed to a truce.
As Ukraine and the US move closer to finalizing the mineral deal, its implications for economic and security cooperation remain a focal point. While the agreement presents a significant opportunity for investment, the broader challenge of ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russian threats continues to dominate discussions on the international stage.
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